Explore an island of rich wildlife in Century City

7 habitats, 100+ bird species, and boat trips & guided tours

Last updated: Wednesday, 26 November 2025 

Made up of seven habitats, Intaka Island is home to a quarter of South Africa’s indigenous wetland plants and over a hundred bird species. With bird hides, guided and self-guided tours, boat trips, and even a kids club, there’s a myriad of ways to explore this eco-hub 15 minutes from the city centre. 

 A full view of all seven habitats. Image: Intaka Island 

BIRD SANCTUARY IN THE CITY

When Century City first started taking shape in 1996, the area was overrun by alien plants and degraded wetland patches, with water birds flocking here to breed in the flooded vegetation. 

Intaka Island was created to protect this rare wetland and fynbos habitat, and to give local bird species a safe sanctuary to return to. The wetlands were engineered in 2001 and nature quickly claimed them. 

Now, more than 100 bird species have made the island their own. “Intaka”, which means “bird” in isiXhosa, also has a clever water-purification system that helps clean and recycle water for Century City.

There are over 100 bird species to see. Image: Intaka Island 

7 HABITATS WITH 100+ BIRD SPECIES

There’s a lot going on for such a compact sanctuary, which holds close to a quarter of the country’s plant and bird species.

The main attraction, of course, is the birds. You’ll see a darter standing with its wings out like it’s drying laundry, and reed cormorants zip past ultra close. You might catch a tiny spark of blue from a malachite kingfisher or pied kingfishers doing their little hover-before-diving trick. Purple swamphens stomp around in the reeds, while yellow-billed ducks drift slowly in the water.

The plant life is just as rich. One turn feels soft and green with tall Cape reed; another opens into a patch of fynbos with wild rosemary and restios. Arum lilies flash white near the water, and wild irises pop up where you don’t expect them.

Black-crowned night heron. Image: Intaka Island 

TRAILS, GUIDED TOURS & BIRD HIDES

The guided tours with a ranger, which are roughly an hour, are like a slow walk with someone who knows where all the good stuff hides. 

Or you can take the self-guided trail which overlaps with the 2km running loop. There are small signs with names and notes, enough to help you learn while you wonder. 

The bird hides, which sit in different corners of the wetland, are one of the best ways to spot the birdlife. One faces a busy nesting area; another looks over the wide waterway where the kingfishers hang out; a quieter one is tucked behind reeds where the shy species feed. 

 The boat used for tours. Image: Intaka Island 

FAMILIES LOVE THE BOAT TOURS, KIDS CLUB 

The boat ride is one of Intaka Island’s staples. You book it at the on-site office, hop on, and enjoy a 35-minute cruise through the canals and wetlands, spotting birds, indigenous plants, and the island’s seven habitats from the water. 

Nearby, the educational lapa is where kids learn about medicinal plants and bird behaviour, and where birthday parties and nature-themed activities are hosted.

The Kids Club is another favourite. You can sign up online or on site, and once joined, kids get access to year-round activities like seasonal nature walks, craft sessions, birdwatching mornings, and eco-workshops. A subscription gives members all-year access, making it an easy, nature-filled win for parents.

 A boat tour going along the route. Image: Intaka Island

VISIT INTAKA ISLAND 

Intaka is open: Daily, 7.30am to 7pm
Find it: Grand Central Precinct, 2 Park Lane, Century City, Cape Town
Book: Via info@intaka.co.za or Intaka Island's website
Contact on: 021 552 6889, info@intaka.co.za  

By Tristan Munz

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EVEN MORE OUTDOOR FAMILY ACTIVITIES 

Discover braai areas and snorkelling spots in the stunning paradise cove of Oudekraal.

Travelling on a budget? Explore these free and affordable activities for kids.

If the weather is sunny, don’t miss out on these tidal pools. 

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